A Tshikuwi family of 15 were left homeless after their only house, a two-room shack, perished in a fire in Nzhelele last Wednesday. The family members, most of whom are children, are now homeless, following the devastating incident.

The cause of the fire is not known, although some residents suspect arson. Out of the 15 family members, 12 are children. Zilia Ranku (22) is the eldest daughter in the family and she takes care of the other children while their mother, Margareth, works on a farm in Waterpoort.

She said that the family was now facing difficult times. "The children's school uniforms were also destroyed inside the house when it burned. We do not even have a decent place to stay or food," she said. Zilia added that she was appealing to any Good Samaritan who could assist the family during this difficult time to step forward.

The spokesperson for the Mphephu police, W/O Lazarus Netshidzati, confirmed the incident. He said that the police had opened an inquest docket, following the incident. "Our investigations are still continuing and people must stop pointing fingers at each other," he said. He dismissed claims that the burning of the shack was an act of arson.

According to the councillor for Ward 36 of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr Mbulaheni Magada, he had already started to assist the family with temporary accommodation, blankets and food. "The municipality also donated some food parcels and a tent to the family," he said.

Magada appealed to businesspeople to get involved and assist the family. Anyone who can assist them with anything can contact Cllr Magada at 072 581 2431.